Double-striped Bluet

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Identification

The thorax shows paired pale stripes separated by black, while the abdomen is predominantly dark with blue rings and a blue terminal section.

A dorsal view should show two pale shoulder stripes separated by black on each side, while the abdomen is mostly dark with blue rings and a blue tip. From a low side angle the doubled stripe can collapse visually into one line.

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Documented range

The checklist places Double-striped Bluet from Nevada, Wyoming, Wisconsin and Ontario south to Baja California Norte, San Luis Potosí and Florida.

The range supports Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas and Utah; California is not part of the checklist's western boundary and should not be assumed without a current verified record.

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Habitat & flight period

Ponds, reservoirs, canals and slow river margins, often in open or disturbed lowland settings.

Usually active from late spring through summer, with a longer season in warm southern water bodies.

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Finding strategy

Examine vegetation at open pond edges and photograph a true dorsal view; the doubled shoulder-stripe pattern is easily obscured from the side.

Search open pond edges, reservoirs, canals and slow river margins where emergent stems break the surface. Take one elevated thorax frame and one lateral terminal-abdomen frame rather than expecting a single angle to show both clues.

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Similar species

Familiar and Arroyo Bluets may share habitat. The thoracic stripe arrangement plus the dark abdomen is more reliable than blue intensity.

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Photography in the field

Use a slightly elevated angle for the thorax, then a side view for terminal structures; two documentary frames beat one decorative angle.

Protect the water edge, keep a working distance, and leave the insect and its perch as found.